Test scores for Illinois elementary students dipped significantly in 2013 in both reading and math. But the state board of education says the changes are due to tougher scoring criteria, and students are still making gains.

Gov. Pat Quinn has suspended funding for the next phase of a pricey renovation project at the state Capitol that's caused embarrassment for financially-shaky Illinois and raised questions about how it was allowed.

After much diplomatic wrangling, President Obama on Monday left open the possibility of a diplomatic solution in Syria, saying a proposal allowing Syria to give up its chemical weapons was a "potentially positive development."